







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| What's your favourite movie? | |
| That's bad, do you have a cold? | |
| Okay, how much salt do you want me to add? | |
| I don't think we need to pay for it. | |
| We all love bank holidays. | |
| Are they older or younger? | |
| Toby! This is Cate, she is my... friend, from London. | |
| Is your father sick? | |
| My rent is monthly, I pay £600 per month. | |
| I've got a meeting with some people. | |
| No, no, nothing is wrong, no need to worry, we are all fine... | |
| Okay, I don't like cooking, but I like tasting food. | |
| Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | |
| I like some Jamiroquai songs, but not all of them. | |
| I hope they are going to be here on time, too... I don't like waiting. | |
| When you stop believing we can get a house in Mayfair for 2,400! | |
| Why do you think it's weird? | |
| Sorry, I forgot to tell you, you need to turn the tap on very gently. | |
| You are right, is there anything you want me to buy on the way? | |
| Alright, deal! You have 3 days to think, starting now! | |